The Sibylline Oracle (The Sibylline Trilogy)

by Colvin, Delia

  With the vision ended, he felt the retching begin. Kneeled and sobbing, Alex heaved the contents of his stomach. The visions were his gift and his curse. He had learned that it was best to walk the streets only when he had control of himself and his emotions. Almost thirty minutes later, with his trembling almost under control, Alex rose. He needed to get to Rome and then, from there, board a ship to Washington D.C.

  “Dear Lord, who provides me these visions, please let me save her this time.”

  ∞

  The trip had taken just shy of two weeks. Alex was already perusing newspapers scanning for a Jenni or Jennifer, looking for a last name for his love and for the gentleman who'd escorted her in his vision. He had yet to come across either party. It was winter, so he had a few months if the vision was from this year.

  He knew that the event was a special society outing. He would have to ensure that he was invited to every social outing that spring, especially those that would take place on what they called the Mall, the greenway where the vision had occurred. This was always a trial of his patience, playing by society’s rules. Alex had mastered the game of mystery. One should leak out information but never directly answer a question, insinuating there was far more to the story than one might guess.

  Of course, there was far more to Alex than society might guess. He also had to appear absolutely fascinated by whatever frivolous babble he was offered. The women were important to this society, as they did the inviting. So, Alex had learned to combine interest with mild flirtation. Oh, how he hated that ridiculous part of the game! He always expected that the women would realize his deception but their vanity rarely permitted it.

  The fact was that he despised deception and took great care so that there was never any harm created by his exaggerations. He preferred to think of it as kindness rather than flirtation. Alex justified it as what was necessary to save her. He would play whatever role was needed to have that opportunity.

  It was a pity that society women had been barred from most intelligent conversation. The women who took the time to become educated and had something intelligent to offer were rarely included in high society.

  ∞

  After two months, Alex took to spending his late afternoons on the National Mall between the Washington Monument and the Potomac River, where Congress had just approved plans to build a memorial to their assassinated president, Lincoln. Alex spent his time watching for news of upcoming events. He had spent hundreds of hours ingratiating himself with multitudes of gossiping women and laughing over distasteful jokes with men who drank too much. As a result, Alex had secured invitations to virtually every major party.

  Then in the newspaper, he saw the man’s face. Harleton Parker, of Georgetown, was returning home from abroad. There was no mention of a wife or a daughter. Alex recalled that in the vision the man, Parker, had addressed the girl as Jenni. That would only be appropriate in public if she were his daughter, wife, or fiancée.

  Alex had to decide if he would play this round up front or in the background. It all depended on the players. If he felt that he could glean more information by befriending them, he would play it up front. Another consideration was the location and the threat to her survival. If it were behind royal walls, he would have to ensure that he had already crossed those walls by letters of introduction or employment in order to ensure free access to her.

  If, on the other hand, Alex felt that the players were suspicious of most people, which was the case with Harleton Parker, then he typically played it in the background. He would watch and wait for the moment in his vision.

  Days and weeks went by. Soon, it would be too late in this year for the vision. Then one afternoon, as he dined near Harleton’s home, he watched as Jenni stepped out of a carriage with Harleton and headed into the same restaurant where Alex sat.

  His heart soared! She looked extraordinarily beautiful in a silk, cornflower-blue dress that perfectly set off her blue-green eyes. Harleton and Jenni were seated next to Alex, so he was able to overhear pieces of their conversation. She had recently arrived from Paris but was fluent in English. Evidently, there was a relationship; Harleton had the look of a man in love.

  That Sunday, Alex saw that the Mall had been set up with lights and tables. Immediately, he contacted the hostess and was offered an invitation. At the luncheon, Alex watched as Harleton introduced Jenni around and she graciously smiled, easily charming them all.

  Then Harleton escorted her to the curb to retrieve their carriage. The uncontrolled horse lurched forward. Alex quickly moved his arm around Jenni’s tiny waist and lifted her to safety, while grabbing the horse’s reins with his other hand. The horse responded by trying to rear, but Alex had an iron grip with his fine leather gloves.

  Jenni’s eyes were wide with shock. She glanced down at her waist where his hand had been moments before as if she expected to still see it there. Shaking her head in confusion, she looked up and smiled. “Merci beaucoup!”

  Alex held the rearing horse with a solid grip as he continued to gaze at her. There was a look in his eyes that she couldn’t quite identify; perhaps relief and something else. “I don’t mean to be melodramatic, is that how you say it?” She smiled. “Yes, I believe that it the word, Monsieur. But, I believe that you may have just saved my life!”

  The coachman lashed the whip against the horse’s neck again. Alex reached up with his gloved hand and tore the whip from the driver’s clutches. Alex’s eyes were still and serious. “You will kill someone. Find another occupation, my man.”

  Then, easing his expression, Alex turned back to Jenni who was staring in wide-eyed awe. He tilted his head nonchalantly. “It was my pleasure, mademoiselle! I am Alex Morgan and you are?”

  “Jennifer Jardin.” She said with a small curtsey.

  He took her gloved hand and kissed it lightly and then staring into her eyes, said, “Enchante, Mademoiselle.” He bowed as her face glowed with a pink blush.

  She smiled, asking, “Parlez-vous français?”

  “Oui! Though, I am afraid your English is much better than my French.” Jenni’s eyes sparkled. Oh, to see her alive!

  Just then, Harleton returned. “Jenni, our carriage is waiting.” Harleton ignored Alex.

  “Harleton, this gentleman, Monsieur Morgan, just saved my life,” Jenni said sweetly. “His swift actions prevented me from being trampled by that horse.”

  Alex shrugged. Oh, how he had missed her sweet voice! But now was not the moment to allow himself to enjoy her company. Parker would most certainly notice any possible affection. Alex had to stay cool in front of this gent.

  “Is this true?” Harleton’s eyes narrowed at Alex, evaluating.

  “It was nothing.” Alex met his eyes cautiously, removing any possible challenge.

  “Harleton, we must thank Monsieur Morgan. Perhaps he could join us for tea tomorrow.”

  “Whatever you like, my dear!” Harleton replied, glaring at Alex. “Here is my card. Please, join us for tea tomorrow at three.”

  Harleton helped Jenni onto their carriage and Alex smiled to himself. It appeared that she wasn’t married. She was alive. And he would see her tomorrow.

  The next day, Alex walked to Harleton’s townhouse where he saw two small children at the door. A servant rushed them away to their rooms as she invited him in. When Jenni entered the foyer, her face lit with a smile. “Monsieur Morgan!”

  Alex removed his hat and bowed his head slightly. Jenni curtsied. “It is a pleasure to see you again, Mademoiselle.”

  Harleton walked through briskly. “Jenni, I have to go to the office.” He glanced up. “Oh, sorry old chap. It completely slipped my mind that you were coming by. Business, you see.” He was busy evaluating Alex. “I’m sure you understand!”

  Jenni had a distressed look on her face. “Harleton, we invited Monsieur Morgan for tea.”

  “Well, we will simply have to reschedule. I’m certain…I’m sorry, what was your name?”

  “Alex Morgan.”


  Harleton shook his head as if the name meant nothing to him. Alex could see that Harleton intended to end any idea about Alex joining them for tea or any other social event.

  “I’m sorry, what business did you say you were in?” Harleton asked.

  Alex wanted to tell Harleton that he hadn’t said. He wanted to say that it was none of his business. But instead, Alex smiled pleasantly. “Oh, this and that—mostly investments.”

  Nodding coldly, as if Alex’s response were of little consequence, Harleton narrowed his eyes and took in the details of this stranger. Harleton noticed Alex’s fine Italian clothing but something about him seemed more American. Finally, when it was obvious that Harleton would get no answers from Alex, he ended their meeting. “Well, business beckons!” Harleton said and Alex noticed that the frosty chill in his eyes matched the icy-gray pallor of his suit. “I’m sure Mr. Morgan understands.”

  “Of course!” Alex understood perfectly!

  “My dear, I will see you tonight. Again, sorry old chap!” Harleton shrugged nonchalantly as he left.

  The color rising to Jenni’s cheeks told Alex she was embarrassed. “Please forgive me for this. Harleton is not usually so…busy.” She took a deep breath.

  Alex smiled pleasantly knowing that Jenni would be too uncomfortable to have an unchaperoned tea, which was deemed inappropriate in this society. Harleton had accurately assessed that Alex’s manners were impeccable and that Harleton’s absence would require Alex to leave immediately.

  “Actually, it is I who must apologize, Mademoiselle. I only have a few moments.” Alex could see some relief in Jenni’s eyes. “Perhaps another time?”

  “Yes! Please, Monsieur, give us an opportunity to thank you properly!” She smiled. “I am certain that Mr. Parker would insist.”

  “Thank you, Mademoiselle…or is it, Madam?” Alex waited anxiously for her response.

  “Mademoiselle,” Jenni answered, blushing. “Harleton is my second cousin. His wife passed away a year ago. He has made an agreement with my family to marry me before the year is out.”

  By her flat tone in expressing the ‘agreement’ and by her darting glances at him from under her lashes, Alex was certain that there was no romantic interest on Jenni’s part in marrying Harleton. Alex could steal her away! He wondered for a moment if that would be the right thing to do.

  Then the children ran down the stairs, calling, “Jenni! Jenni!” They grabbed onto her skirt and danced around her with youthful enthusiasm. Jenni shrugged, as if to say that they were why she was there.

  Sighing, Alex replaced his cap. “Mademoiselle, let us not be such strangers. I am a tutor and occasionally take on students. Perhaps I can be of assistance.”

  Jenni smiled, a look of gratitude in her eyes.

  Walking back to his apartment, Alex continued to reel at the revelation that he had at last changed a vision! She was still alive! Deep inside, the knot in his gut told him that there was still a possible threat…that it wasn’t over yet. But Alex forced himself to believe that because she had survived the attack in his vision, she would now be immortal. She would outlive Harleton Parker in not so many years…and Alex would stay by her side. Then they would have their eternity together!

  ∞

  Alex watched on as Jenni married Harleton. Soon after, Harleton left for Europe and was gone for over a year, allowing Alex precious time with Jenni. She counted on Alex for help with the children and her affection blossomed into what he suspected was love.

  The formalities of the era called for certain protocols, such as always addressing each other in formal terms as in Mister Morgan and Madam Parker. Because Alex was employed as a tutor, he was permitted occasional brief moments alone with the mistress of the house, often over tea as was their habit. At any time, Alex could have asked Jenni to run away with him and he was certain she would. But the children had already lost their mother, and he knew Jenni would mourn the loss of their affection if she were to leave.

  Six years later, Harleton continued to take long and frequent trips abroad. Alex suspected that he had lovers in other countries. There had been rumors of a girl in Africa, and that there were children from this indiscretion.

  Jenni’s heartbreak came from having her hopes dashed that she might one day bear children of her own. She might’ve felt sad from Harleton’s lack of affection, but Alex’s presence gave her faith in something more. Jenni loved her stepchildren, who were now about to enter their teen years and would soon be off to boarding school, at Harleton’s insistence. Though Alex was certain that insistence had more to do with ending his employment as their tutor.

  Alex planned to wait until the children left for boarding school and then he would ask Jenni to run away with him. With his accumulation of wealth, they could disappear and never again worry about Harleton or his visions. Alex clung to that hope for the sake of his sanity. He chose to believe that averting the tragedy with the horse had resolved his curse.

  That summer, Harleton left for business in Africa and would continue on for a safari. It was the happiest time in Alex’s existence. He had the freedom to see Jenni daily without Harleton’s watchful eye. Jenni seemed to blossom in her husband’s absence. Harleton wasn’t a bad man. Alex had watched his beloved being married off to men of bad intentions in the past. Harleton at least seemed to care for Jenni—much like he might care for any of his other possessions, such as his children.

  One day, Alex responded to a knock on the door to his apartment to find his good friend Mani. Mani explained to Alex that in his search for answers to their existence he had found extraordinary research facilities at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.

  “Alex, I would like to run several tests on Jenni. Can you bring her to Johns Hopkins?”

  The underlying message was clear. Alex knew that Mani was not confident that Jenni was safe, and that time was running out. He couldn’t bear to think about that.

  “Doc, do you believe that’s necessary? I’ve not had any visions. I believe we are past all of that business.”

  “I would like to take any and all precautions. Perhaps you could use it as an excuse for the children to tour a great university.”

  Alex brushed his hand through his hair, concerned. As soon as he accepted the possibility that Jenni was not yet immortal, it caused his hope to drop into the pit of his stomach. But he couldn’t risk anything with his beloved.

  “I’ll find a way to bring her up to Baltimore. I’ll need time to make the arrangements; perhaps next month?”

  Mani shook his head. “Alex…”

  The pit in his stomach became heavier. “Next week, then.”

  As part of their science studies, Alex invited the children to see the new medical discoveries, including a new kind of microscope! Of course, Jenni was confused, but excited by the invitation. Frankly, she was looking forward to time with Alex away from the watchful eyes of the Washington gossips. Harleton would not be pleased to hear of this trip. So, Jenni sent a letter, knowing he would receive it after they’d returned. At Alex’s insistence, the housekeeper accompanied them as a chaperone.

  Alex escorted Jenni and the children to their extraordinary suite on the Old Bay Line, the steam liner that would take them overnight from Washington D.C. and up the Chesapeake to Baltimore. As the children dashed into their room, Jenni turned to Alex and narrowed her eyes.

  “Is there a problem, Madam Parker?” Alex asked, as his eyes sparkled with excitement. He could actually envision the day when he would leave with her—perhaps by ship.

  “Monsieur Morgan,” she began. “Perhaps this is not an appropriate question. However, propriety requires that I…” She bit her lip. “How does a tutor’s salary afford such a luxurious suite?” Alex smiled and shrugged.

  “As I suspected,” she said. “I knew you to be a scholar. But your demeanor…” Her finger went to her temple. “May I ask? If you do not require the stipend, then why did you accept the position as a tutor?”

  Knowing that
if he were not cautious, she might feel the trip was inappropriate. Alex responded, “Madam Parker, I took the position because it pleased me to do so.”

  After arriving the next day at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, one of Mani's associates took the children on their tour. The housekeeper accompanied them.

  Jenni heard the steps of someone approaching in the hall and turned to face a tall, thin man with a very gentle face and eyes the same color as her tutor’s. Alex lifted an arm towards Mani. “Madam Parker, this is Mani. Sorry, Doctor Castro. He is doing some specialized research here. Would you be willing to take part in some of his tests?”

  Jenni’s eyes widened nervously and she briefly bit her lip as she glanced rapidly from Alex to Mani. “What type of tests?”

  “Madam Parker,” Mani began, “please excuse my friend. When it comes to you, he tends to rush things. Let me explain. I have begun a particular field of research and I would like to take your information for this study.”

  “Doctor, I am in perfect health! Is there a reason?” She glanced back at Alex, raising a delicate brow in question.

  “Dr. Castro requires a specific type of person for his tests—a fine woman of French decent—in order to create a…a baseline for his study. You meet his specifications perfectly and I was hoping that you might agree. It won’t harm you. But it could provide very valuable information for his specialized research. It could very well save a life!” Alex hadn’t lied, he justified.

  “I would not want my husband concerned with these tests.” Jenni’s eyes fluttered nervously to Alex. “He might mistake the intention.”

  Alex was certain that Harleton, would not approve.

  “I understand perfectly, Madam! Our records are completely confidential. There would be no information from me or John’s Hopkins that would be delivered to your home. Further, the records will be held in the strictest of confidence and available only to those involved in this study. Not even members of your own family may have access without your express approval!”